3yos lead the way in another strong week for Zelzal

ZELZAL's tally of 3yo winners rose further during the opening week of June, with five additional victories helping maintain his advantage at the top of the French sires' table.

On Thursday at Craon, GIUDICELLA made a taking debut in the Prix BMI Sols Équestres over a mile. One of only two newcomers in the field, the Yann Barberot-trained filly settled towards the rear before being switched wide entering the straight. Once asked to lengthen, she quickly picked up the leaders and drew clear of fellow debutante Renelle to score by a length and a quarter.

A homebred for Marc Leonetti and Jacques Lastrajoli, GIUDICELLA is the fifth foal out of Sant'Amanza (American Post) and became the second winner produced by the daughter of American Post.

Twenty-four hours later, EARTHQUAKE shed his maiden tag in the Prix Ectot at Compiègne. The Alain Jathière-owned colt had shaped with promise on both previous outings, notably when narrowly denied at Fontainebleau in April, and he put that experience to good use over 1,800 metres. Ridden patiently by Cristian Demuro, he came from the rear of the field to challenge inside the final furlong before asserting late on.

Trainer Mario Baratti described him as a colt still learning his trade, making the performance all the more encouraging. Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, the regally-bred EARTHQUAKE is out of the exceptional Zagora (Green Tune), winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf Gr.1.

Earthquake strikes at Compiègne (credit APRH)

Alain Jathière's colours enjoyed a second success of the week courtesy of his homebred TCHIRIKHOVA, who opened her account in striking fashion in the Prix Claude Monet at Dieppe.

Trained by Mauricio Delcher Sanchez, the daughter of Chapka (Exchange Rate) had shaped well when runner-up at Saint-Cloud on her previous start. Dropped back to 1,100 metres, she proved much the best, powering clear to score by an emphatic six lengths.

Spain provided another highlight on Sunday as GUADALMINA captured the Premio Francisco Jaquotot at La Zarzuela. The daughter of Praise Dancing (Blame) was recording the second victory of her career from only three starts, having already opened her account on debut in March. Returning from a run in the Spanish Poule de Pouliches, she bounced back in style over 1,400 metres for owner Club Mediterráneo and trainer A. Tsereteli.

Bred by Haras de Bourgeauville, GUADALMINA has made an excellent start to her career, with two wins and earnings approaching €15,000 from just three appearances.

The sequence was completed by BELLA MEMORIA, who landed the Prix du Salon des Jeux at Saint-Cloud on June 2. The four-year-old daughter of Tureyth (Dubawi) gained her second career success in the 2,000-metre handicap, adding another winner to an increasingly international week for ZELZAL.